Archive for Industry News

The shops may be pumping out cheesy seasonal hits from the 70s, but at SipSwoosh Towers, we’re still firmly in an Autumn frame of mind. Mists and mellow fruitfulness. That kind of thing. And, as winter doesn’t officially start until 21st December, it IS still Autumn, dammit!

So let me talk about truffles – the quintessential smell and flavour of Autumn – and Pinot Noir, the wine I reach for most at this time of year. Especially those that have developed earthy, fungal tones. My idea of heaven.

I’ll admit then that Chilean Pinot Noir would not be my first port of call. There’s something of the Kardashian in many I have tried.

I hate to use the C-word before November is out. But I know what I’ll be drinking in the last week full of December. A crémant – France’s other sparkling wine. A number of French wine regions produce crémants. They’re made the same way as Champagne, though often with different grapes.

However, my choice for festivities this year will be a bit of a Champers lookee-likee – a Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs NV from Oddbins. For £11.50, I’d far rather be sipping this cost-conscious but delicious Chardonnay fizz than some angular, tart “bargain” Champagne. (more…)

I like buying wine to be more than a transaction. I want it to be experience where I can touch bottles, sample wine and chat to the experts on hand. Even better, if I can hang around and have some charcuterie and other small bites as well. And if I can admire the shop design as well, then DING! DING! DING!

So, hello then New Street Wine Shop, near London’s Liverpool Street, just opened by D&D London in The Old Bengal Warehouse, which dates from the 18th century. I went for a pre-launch sneak peek, and to sample some of the grower Champagnes they stock. (Growers make and bottle their own Champagne unlike the Grand Marques who buy most of their grapes in.) (more…)